Washington, March 29 -- US President Donald Trump on Friday (local time) expressed optimism about the ongoing India-US tariff talks and praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, referring to him as a "very smart man" and a "great friend."

While responding to questions during an Interaction with reporters at the swearing-in ceremony of the US attorney for New Jersey, Alina Habba, Trump lauded PM Modi's leadership qualities, describing him as a "great Prime Minister."

Trump said, "Prime Minister Modi was here just recently, and we've always been very good friends."

"India is one of the highest-tariffing nations in the world... They're very smart. He (PM Modi) is a very smart man and a great friend of mine. We had very good talks...